Al Di Meola Fantasia Suite David Letterman Show 1980

[@Rhythmicsolo]

One of a kind. Such an exciting and innovative guitarist. Absolute legend in his field and has the music and albums to back it up. 🙏🤘👍

[@togue777]

Al has always amazed me. He plays at breakneck speed without any hint of sloppiness. Nice crisp tone and never a slurred note.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

And with all that speed he has such an amazing conveyance of his humanity. Absolutely love this guitar player.

[@uev-tv9960]

... phantastigue, Philippe !!! didn't know that your are such a virtuoso on marimba too !!! Love your work on Splendido Hotel (and with PSP and so on) !!! and now: just heard of Al's heart attack in Bukarest ... I was never religious, but soon started to pray for him - may he get well soon !!!!!!!!!!! 🙏

[@mrliburd8823]

This song is makes me cry so fantastic and happy wonderful beautiful amazing al de meola the most journey full guitar player sensitive feeling player 🤸🏼‍♀️🤸🏽‍♂️🤸🏽‍♂️🕺🏼🎶🎵🎼🎵🎵

[@waynefoote3781]

The best guitarist ever! Splendido hotel deserves a grammy Phillippe Saisse added an outstanding dimension to that double album and I wish that I could find footage of that album live in concert...I saw it before and then it seemingly disappeared somehow!

[@Thijs-Kuiken]

Al is always great and I really love this piece in particular. Understandably It is all about Di Meola here but I think the marimba player also deserved to (literally) have a spotlight on him because it was a duet and he played really great as well.

[@ianedmonds9191]

He was great but he was mixed way to high in the mix.

[@JetEarlewood]

I made a comment 3 yrs ago. I don't remember ever watching this video. My goodness. Recently Al did an interview with Rick Beato. He talked about his days with RTF and how Chick wanted him to learn how to compose and Al thought at that time he couldn't do it.

[@LRS905]

I am slowly learning to watch Di Meola and not getting that "Why bother learning guitar" feeling I used to get before...

[@OmniscientVirtuosity]

So sick. Never seen him perform this before. I was in love with this song and record in my formative guitar years I. The late 90s. So wonderful a master DiMeloa is.

[@Guitaroverkill]

Never seen this. Great post of an outstanding guitarist.

[@priteshugrankar6815]

One day, I hope to see the comment section devoid of statements such as "this guitar player can't do what that guitar player does"... Can't we just enjoy without arguing...

[@roguenation]

This clip is from _The David Letterman Show_ which was canceled in 1980 after only 18 weeks on the air. Alas, Di Meola was never invited back to appear on _Late Night with David Letterman_ or _Late Show with David Letterman_.

[@ronsansone6032]

I'll never forget seeing Al and the boys perform the entire "Casino" album live in Central Park. The show was amazing, impeccable and every single person was outta their seats going NUTS! I'M So glad to see this. How rare. Thx!

[@BrianAuer]

Wow..never thought I d hear a marimba played like that..amazing.

[@juaco42]

he look younger now than this era

[@lwmson]

Hair transplants from Mr Bosley does wonders!

[@80sruler]

Emmanuel Monge ha - better hair today

[@doctorgarbonzo2525]

He had his Weave job done in the mid 80's

[@FloridaMonty]

Letterman is such a dick.

[@professorcranium4792]

DiMeola is the Eddie Van Halen of HAIR PLUGS! "Could i get more hairline in the monitor?"

[@jeffdawson2786]

On Letterman with a marimba. Who’d a thought? Those runs are still amazing in any version of this song.

[@bigdawg7703]

Every music lover needs to watch this. Just amazing! If you play you know why I say this. Watch the right hand in particularly. The mastery and control is phenomenal.

[@craig2100]

Can't believe it, seemed just like yesterday.

[@jacomans9078]

Al has always been a favorite of mine! They played extremely well together...Wow, the dedication to play those lines so cleanly, that takes practice and a lifetime of devotion to your instrument..

[@lwmson]

Interestingly enough, Hendrix was in the same situation w/Dick Cavett on a talk show during the 60s, and Cavett called Jimi "one of the best guitar players in the world." JImi smiled embarrassingly and replied, "How about the best guitar player sitting in this chair."

[@nfbnn]

joe jones don't get it.

[@lwmson]

Hendrix was very unassuming and humble, even though just about everyone would agree with Cavett.

[@IRACEMABABU]

Who is the marimba player ? He deserve recognition, as he plays at least as well than Al DiMeola.

[@nogueira-lopesalexandre1337]

philippe saisse

[@scratchchu3483]

The uploader.

[@NicleT]

Came ten years after to ask the same thing, and I see it was answered three years ago. That’s funny.

[@luvpants2012]

26 years old, beard and large metal-rimmed glasses...total badass.

[@lwmson]

He ain't bald now. After being "re-sodded," he has more hair than most women do! lol'

[@stochelo-k2y]

Pathetic comment , you are pathetic. " in French " un petit conseil, vous devriez éviter de mettre votre photo couple car tout les deux vous ressemblez à une toile de Picasso ( période cubisme )...🥴

[@stephanweidt-guitar]

Genial ... Such a perfect way of playing together...

[@starvingbuddha7622]

Al goin thru his disco dan look. Amazing artist!

[@matiasrapallini8544]

El guitarrista mas versatil que escuche en mi vida,,,,,,,,GENIO TOTAL

[@WA2SVM]

I think it is Dave Samuels. I recognize some of those licks. Some awesome playing!

[@gh4121-b5n]

This is when Dave had his daytime show. My God I’ve watched him a very long time. Oh, and I got a lot of Al’s Vinyl.

[@B3L13V3R]

insane!! that is all....

[@MickCorgi]

Thanks for the upload! Back them, all I had about Dimeola was "young guitar" magazine interviews and a few vinyl albums of him. This is so much wonderful

[@kenvorland]

Malmsteen must love this guy

[@chrisb8655]

Oh heck yeah. Lol

[@kevnote]

I believe it's Philippe Saisse, who was on Splendidio Hotel and was mentored by none other than Gary Burton.

[@LanceVallis]

Two classics!

[@MarcelloPaganini]

Awesome thanks a lot for sharing :)

[@ruffytrabe1432]

I think the marimba player should have been mentioned as well !

[@amorrow617]

zero recognition for the amazing marimbist, the only group of musicians who never get praised. excluding bassoons.

[@Rayquesto]

imurmuse ya Philippe Saisse. facebook.com/philippe.saisse.1

[@YManCyberDude]

+imurmuse ya … Or we kazooists …

[@mikeokizichy]

+imurmuse ya What about me, countless hours learning the Triangle & what do I get for it?

[@YManCyberDude]

Any one remember the deaf marimbist (I think she was a marimbist) on Dave Letterman years ago ? It was pretty amazing. Can't find on KZbin. She played & then we found out she was deaf.

[@zanohoriamazo1]

Holy crap, Philippe Sasse the keyboardist....amazing technique. Didn't know he could get down like that on the marimba..wow! He eventually handled the keys on the short lived Night Music show, hosted by David Sanborn. They didn't even take the time to acknowledge him....sad!

[@cahillgreg]

Di Meola playing rhythm accompaniment to a Marimba piece.

[@jsem94]

flawless

[@KevinLanganVA]

Philippe Saisse. He played on Splendid Hotel, too.

[@IRACEMABABU]

Thanks a lot for the info !

[@jemp1965]

Really historical footage!!

[@paulbaily3164]

Saw them live at Hammersmith Odeon...you should check out Return to Forever.....Super Group....Dimeola is up there along with Satriani, plus a 100 other great guitarists....

[@fadethetrade]

@MickCorgi I remember in 75 we all had arguments who the best guitarist was,some said beck,others said Page,others said zappa but i always took Al as the best of the 70's.

[@PaulusCaesar]

I personally would say De Lucia blows them all out of the water. And using his fingers, no picks. But in truth they were all really good in their own way. Also Blackmore, McLaughlin, Metheny, Harrison, May, Gatton, Gilmour, so many good guitar players back then.

[@MICROCLEAN100]

What have I done with my Life?

[@DavidChanowski]

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't familiar with Philippe Saisse

[@markbra]

Harom Bullock

[@llex_luthor]

AMAZING Phillippe Saisse... :)

[@stonerdemon]

And what happened to that phenomenal marimba player? Where is he now? No one knows. Life is unfair.

[@mybookfacetube]

Phlippe Saisse. He's the uploader of this video. Check out his Chanel right here on YT

[@JetEarlewood]

I have 3 of your CD's Philippe

[@wonder6789]

The stupidity of Letterman's comments and questions is only matched by the talent and virtuosity of Al di Meola and Philippe Saisse.

[@geezberry8889]

wow 26 here looks like he's 46

[@seanslingerland]

whoa !

[@nevigo5519]

Notice how humble he is when Letterman ask whether he is the best. Dimeola say "I have been called that". Yngwie just kick the table away and say "Im THE best in the world,l and everybody can see that". He said that sometimes in the 80s. He is not worthy to shine Dimeolas shoes.

[@martinluc2361]

Art is a competition ?

[@gregflip5938]

like Hendrix said to Dick Cavett “i’m the best one sitting in this chair”

[@DavidChanowski]

I wonder if that isn't Dave Samuels or David Friedman. I think they both use the Burton 4 mallet grip.

[@bobshields2813]

+David Chanowski - It's Philippe Saisse. He was with Al on his tour this year, and Al mentioned it was him at the show I attended.

[@farber2]

Holy fuck, I was 18.

[@morado666]

so fucking nice !!!

[@danatcanyonlake583]

I need more COWBELL (xylophone). I gotta have more COWBELL!!

[@cristian81267]

come cazzo fa'!!!! incredibile

[@miguel4cuerdas]

Al DiMeola. One of the most impressive musicians I had the opportunity to hear and see. I don't know the name of the marimba boy, who plays the most complex parts in unison. Separate issue: David Letterman, star TV host, unbearable clown, nowadays all TV presenters want to copy him.

[@Bojanmarsetic]

Society should compare him with Tesla, Da Vinci etc.

[@dulcimeremiru6712]

Roller Jubilee CDのMar.も彼の独奏なのかしら？

[@OIdiesCentral]

1980 my ass.He looks older than joda.

[@brainsareus]

quien toca la marimba?

[@ferssio]

And Actually Al Di Meola is the best Guitar Player in the World, second to None , fuckersss""""

[@lwmson]

You're right Jeff. Rossi is biased to Al because Al is Italian.

[@jollyvoqar195]

That's one of my favorite tunes and by far my most favorite of his, and that is a horrid rendition of it. Oy.

[@jsg1175]

What song is it?

[@luvpants2012]

Yeah what was he thinking? Picked the David Letterman Show to pull an absolute stinker. I don't get it but maybe he was tired and didn't want a lot of hoopla from the appearance. He was already more than successful.

[@Rayquesto]

J SG Fantasia Suite for two guitars.

[@MrPorter7]

I think the marimba player's mother was mixing this.

[@Folma7]

Fell in love with “Fantasia Suite....” forty years ago after hearing it only a few times. I’ve listened to it once or twice a week for years...literally. It always brightens my mood.

[@C861986]

Turn the xylophone down!

[@mybookfacetube]

Marimba

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

@@mybookfacetube mariba? i hardly even know her

[@brainsareus]

did Dave really know so little about Al ,and if so, could he have not done some research?! i know it was pre-Google,but damn...

[@zanohoriamazo1]

It's common for talk show hosts to be uninformed on a topic, & as bright as Dave is, he was typical of that, especially back then, & especially regarding any jazz related music. He was kind of the extreme opposite if Dick Cavett. But equally as good at making fun off himself.

[@brainsareus]

zanohoriamazo1 some are uninformed,some are not.

[@michaeladamonis2620]

looks older than 26!

[@Jartny]

He was 26 here? He looks like he could be 40!

[@lwmson]

Ironically enough, now he is in his 60s and looks 26. Hair transplants work wonders!

[@gumbypokey58]

Little did you know that Lukather was coming along to make people forget about that list...

[@depechemodevilla]

Doesn't he kinda' talk and act like Prince?

[@starvingbuddha7622]

I see the similarities. Like naughty boys

[@dimitarfiliuca1765]

He is 26 he looks like 46

[@panchoroldanz]

Now he's 64 but he looks like 46

[@HunterRouth]

Weird, hearing Al speak almost sounds like John Petrucci.

[@OmniscientVirtuosity]

Petrucci was heavy influenced by DiMeolas Casino. That's common knowledge and evident in his picking style. So I think John sounds like Al, is more the reality

[@SyrenUK]

They are both from pretty much the same part of the World, John is a New Yorker and Al is from New Jersey

[@ankihansen2489]

@@SyrenUK Both have italian heritage.

[@Quebecguitare]

Doesn't mix. I wonder if there's anything to do with it at all.

[@lwmson]

Either that or he had a hair transplant.

[@musket-hc1fc]

Having that marimba playing was bad for this supposedly guitar solo. Al should have played alone, or maybe with a bass player.

[@F1Fanatic]

Oh ye of little taste... lol

[@TerryValhalla]

Most inane questions from a non musical being!

[@spahnman]

Jimi Hendrix couldn't even hold this man's guitar Al is way better

[@DTM1864]

Why would you say that? Neither could do what the other does. Both excite different musical feelings in us. It's apples and oranges.

[@spahnman]

Al could play everything that Jimi played but Jimi couldn't come close to playing what Al played

[@DTM1864]

That is not a factual statement. I have never seen or heard Al Di Meola sound like Hendrix even when he was playing a Hendrix tune. Not even the best Hendrix imitators and impersonators can completely do what Hendrix did. There is the intangible that's always missing. I don't want to be put in a position to side with one over the other but for discussion sake, the biggest impact on music and guitar playing will certainly go to Hendrix. And that's no insult to Al Di Meola who is a giant in the world of technique and an educated approach to guitar playing and music. I could never insult Al (and yes I have met the man). Al would agree with me.

[@runrabbitrun4342]

Wow I think ill go to sleep after watching al do his scales.

[@TheSaintberzerker]

DTM1864 Your statement isn't factual either...it's subjective. That "intangible" thing Hendrix fanboys talk about isn't a fact, provable or even defined. Hendrix was a terrible musician that was lucky enough to be one of the first to play loud, sloppy, distorted guitar while high on dope.

[@virgilrw]

Al is a great guitarist but he's no where near the innovator Jimi Hendrix was as a guitarist and that's a fact!

[@vanguard4065]

jimi who? the fact that you are even comparing Al to jimi is a compliment to Al and vice versa. certainly nobody has ever compared you to any great musician lol

[@virgilrw]

Taurus Viking Look at the list of greatest guitarist all time who's there? Nuff Said!

[@Folma7]

It’s like comparing a high end sports car to a cherried out classic hot rod. Both are excellent...but in two completely different ways. I listen to and enjoy both.

[@TheLochs]

what a dumb composition. Lets strum some chords, then play a really fast scale. Then repeat, lol